Located in the heart of downtown, Pacific Station is the City of Santa Cruz’s primary multi-modal public transit center. Constructed in 1984, the existing building has endured nearly three decades of heavy use. Today, the facility is aged and shows deterioration that continues to worsen. Numerous functional inadequacies have begun to directly affect commuters’ experiences. At the same time, these limitations are also restricting increased system needs, in spite of growing demand. Santa Cruz METRO and the City of Santa Cruz are partnering to redesign the transit center at Pacific Station. A redesigned transit center presents an opportunity to improve the experiences of both commuters and METRO employees. It is a great chance to reimagine waiting spaces, public facilities and back-of-house, or operational, areas. A new Pacific Station will also catalyze the lower Pacific Avenue area, contributing to a safer environment and encouraging other property owners to invest in their properties. Pedestrian-friendly, active street frontages will enhance the viability and attractiveness of the area. The new Pacific Station will provide an attractive civic place that is safe, sustainable, functional, and appreciated by the whole Santa Cruz community.

In addition to the transit center, the project will explore the mix of uses that may be appropriate at this site, with the potential of developing a multi-story building with a variety of compatible uses. Community input will be solicited to help shape the future of Pacific Station. The first round of community engagement was conducted to gather input on needs and opportunities for Pacific Station and lower Pacific Avenue. A second phase will collect feedback on site and use options. A third round will consist of a presentation of the preferred option. Information is available on the Metro and City’s websites and through various social media platforms. As community members, your involvement and input in the project is vital to the success of this project.

Share your ideas!

The next round of public outreach is here! Please join us at one of the community input events listed below.